Our 2025 Style Shoot Design Contest Finalist: Timeless Luxury in Mocha Mousse

Inspired by the rich, earthy elegance of Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, this finalist team set out to design a modern wedding shoot that perfectly blended luxury, inclusivity and timeless charm. Their backdrop? The historic Colvin House, a marble-adorned Chicago gem just steps from Lake Michigan. With its neutral stone, vintage character and versatile outdoor courtyard, the venue set the tone for a shoot that felt both elevated and inviting!

The vision began with the desire to pair Mocha Mousse with the deep marble tones of the venue. When finding the right florist didn’t go as planned, the team took matters into their own hands, crafting arrangements from fresh market flowers in tones of blush, ivory and white accentuated with greenery—a beautiful contrast to the neutral-toned tablescape highlighted by mocha-hued candles and elegant yet understated tableware!

Wedding fashion played a key role in elevating the narrative. The first bride wore her own wedding dress for a stunning encore moment at the same venue where she married her husband just one year earlier. The second donned chic, timeless gowns rented from Diana’s Bridal that were chosen for comfort and classic beauty—perfectly in step with the shoot’s polished aesthetic. Hair and makeup stayed natural and refined, emphasizing nude and neutral shades that aligned with the overall palette.

Every detail was carefully curated to reflect the mocha-inspired theme. Stationery featured cursive lettering on cream and beige tones for a timeless feel. The dessert spread carried the color palette through espresso martinis, brownies, macarons and scones—creating a visual and sensory experience rooted in modern elegance. Even the trend-forward touches, like a Polaroid camera guest moment, tapered candles and a family-style dinner service, made this shoot feel like a fresh take on today’s wedding scene!

Ultimately, Mocha Mousse didn’t just guide the color palette—it acted as the foundation for a true work of art. By letting every detail embody the contest theme of The Art of Weddings, this team turned a contemporary vision into a beautifully cohesive and inspiring celebration of love, diversity and design!

 

 

Style Shoot Design Contest sponsored by: AAYS Event Rentals

 

 

 

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